Grant helps more kids eat healthy snacks at school

AUGUSTA, Wis (WEAU)--We all know the feeling--that late afternoon slump and the need for a quick pick me up snackNow, a local school district is reaping the benefits of a nationwide program trying to make sure that when our kids reach for a snack it's a healthy choice.

Augusta is one of 178 schools in the state participating in the USDA’S Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. The idea is to teach kids at an early age to grab an apple instead of that tempting candy bar. And at Augusta Elementary school the programs has been a hit.

Nine year-old Angelica Larson says she tried a start fruit for the first time.

"At first I thought it was going to be sour but it was really good," said Angelica.

Augusta Food Service Coordinator Nancy Mlsna says research shows that even just a small afternoon snack can dramatically improve a kid’s ability to pay attention and learn

“It’s a pick me up. It’s just something they can have in the middle of the afternoon that they can look forward to,” said Mlsna.

Three days a week the students either get a veggie or fruit Nancy says they try to choose things the student wouldn't normally have at home.“What we've done is I’ve just tried all different types of fruits and veggies trying to build in the idea of eating things that are good for your body and offer more.”

Nancy says if kids learn to like fruits and vegetables at an early age they are more likely to try healthy food as adults.And she says kids usually influence what parents buy at the grocery store so the hope is families will also start trying new things.

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